New Zealand fulfill tradition against Wales (23-55)

Sports Desk, 5 November. New Zealand fulfilled their legacy against Wales, who have not lost since 1953, and took a clear victory (23-55) in this Saturday’s friendly at Prisinality Stadium in Cardiff.

Only three times in 115 years have the Welsh ‘All Blacks’ won the title. This time it can’t. At times the resistance of the local soldiers allowed them to hold out for nearly an hour, but in the end the marines prevailed with authority.

Wayne Pivac’s side went into the game hoping to do something big in front of their home crowd, building on their strong performance against South Africa in July. New Zealand cleared the doubts at the start of the tournament. On twenty minutes they were already 0-17 ahead with two tries from Cody Taylor and shots between the sticks from Richie Moinga.

However, Wales rose and managed to break away to the rhythm of Rio Dyer Mark and Gareth Anscombe’s shots (10-17), although Jordie Barrett’s fresh article increased the distance again (13-22 at half-time).

The ‘All Blacks’ used two second-half scores from Aaron Smith to pacify a Welsh reaction effort with Anscombe and Justin Deburic (23-29) and their biggest strength in the final half was to attack the development precisely. Arty Savea, twice, and Samisoni Taukeiho signed for New Zealand’s last Test and a final 23-55 with Beauton Barrett’s conversion.

New Zealand play Scotland in their next friendly on Sunday the 13th, while Wales face Argentina on Saturday the 12th. EFE

JAP/APA